Efecto de los tratamientos previos al secado en la calidad tecnológica de la harina de calabaza (Curcubita pepo)

Abstract

There are currently many viable alternatives to replace wheat flour, because its gluten content is harmful to health in gastrointestinal matters. Replacing it or looking for an alternative in a cucurbit makes this product of utmost importance for the food industry, since it is an option for a flour that contains starch, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Being a foreign species, but known in Ecuador, the Curcubita pepo squash is gaining space in the local environment, which is purchased fresh or vacuum packed in supermarkets. Applying heat treatments to the squash pulp increases its organoleptic and functional properties, as well as extending its shelf life. The process was marked by obtaining the squash from a local producer in the Cevallos canton. Once the squash was obtained, it was laminated and subjected to different treatments to later be dehydrated, ground and obtain a flour ready for the relevant analyses. A soft flour with a characteristic smell and color was obtained, and the particle size, water activity, humidity, loose bulk density and water solubility were analyzed. The results revealed that the heat treatments contributed to improving the organoleptic properties. Properties such as a more marked color, increased soluble solids and better water solubility and absorption were obtained.